Man Utd to move for Sporting CP teenage star ‘as soon as possible’

• Man Utd expected to launch approach for Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda
• 17-year-old talent made his debut under new Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim
• January transfer isn’t possible, with eyes on securing a summer deal ahead of time

Manchester United are tipped to make an attempt to secure a summer deal for one of new head coach Ruben Amorim’s former Sporting CP players sooner rather than later.

Amorim has now started work in Manchester after being appointed permanent successor to Erik ten Hag earlier this month. His job title is different to any his predecessors, but the Portuguese is expected to revolutionise the playing style, while United’s thirst for highly-rated talents remains.

Geovany Quenda, just 17 years of age, has been increasingly linked with the Old Trafford club in recent weeks. The teenager was promoted to the Sporting first-team by Amorim at the start of this season and has already played his way into the senior Portugal squad but is yet to be capped.

A Bola has reported that United initially approached Sporting over Quenda before Amorim made the move from Lisbon to north west England. But they are now described as keen to secure the youngster’s signature “as soon as possible” with a view to him arriving in the summer.

United aren’t looking to bring Quenda to Old Trafford in January – Amorim himself declared he won’t raid his former club in the upcoming transfer window but couldn’t rule it out next summer. The right winger also can’t move before he turns 18 in April due to international transfer rules outside of EU and EEA nations, but wrapping up a deal in advance of the summer would be ideal.

Quenda has a release clause of €100m (£83.7m) in a contract signed two months ago that runs until 2027, while Sporting are expected to instantly reject anything below €40m (£33.5m).

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said of Quenda during this international break: “More than a versatile player, he brings balance and technical ability, not just the position. He is a player with magic and who can make the difference in the final third, with a spectacular future and his experience of being in the national team, whether he plays on the pitch or not, is important.”